Bulletin Bulletin 10 March 2014

Bulletin 10
March 2014
P. O Box 306,
42 Church St (cnr Buitenkant),
6708 McGregor
South Africa
+27 (0)23 6251 009
[email protected]
www.breedecentre.co.za
Dear Friends of Breede,
We hope you have all had a good start to 2014. Several times this
summer we have experienced temperatures of over 40°C, whilst
most days have been in the mid 30’s. We have however had some
unprecedented storms which have cooled things down, leaving our
dams full to overflowing. There was even flooding in the Squatter
Camp – the informal housing settlement here. At this time of year
our dams are normally mere mud pools. When standing on the small
hill between the two valleys which make up McGregor, you can see
the sparkling water all around.
Dams in the western valley with
McGregor just visible in the background
The valleys are filled with apricot and olive trees, and many grape
farms which provide jobs for our local people. Unfortunately the
legacy from the grape farms that used to part-pay workers in wine
has created alcohol dependency, which transmits to children as
Alcohol Syndrome. This brings with it short attention span, low
motivation, high upper-school dropout rate and domestic violence.
McGregor is a tranquil country village often spoken of as ‘on the road to
nowhere’. With its fruit trees, wine farms, surrounding mountains,
quaint houses, beautiful gardens, Retreat Centre, quietness you can
hear, pristine air, McGregor is a popular haven for visitors. There are
The Road to Nowhere disappearing
beautiful places to stay and to eat. This provides employment for many
into the mountains behind McGregor
of our local people. Whilst apartheid did impact on McGregor, it did so
quite late and the smallness of the village makes it possible for all of us
in the village to meet each other in the streets, at the Post Office and in the shops… and hold out the
hand of friendship to one another. For our overseas Friends who might like to consider visiting here,
SIMA Tours in Belgium organises trips to South Africa and gives a percentage of the income to The
Breede Centre: [email protected]
Enjoy the rest of our Bulletin!
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We started 2014 like a 100 metre sprinter out of the blocks!
Right at the beginning of the year we established
the afternoon activities... there are now activities
from Grade 1 to Grade 12. Grades 1 - 4 learn
through art, craft, music and rhythm presented by
Lauren and Gretha, two German volunteers. Grades
5 - 8 have Mathematics, Afrikaans and English
lessons with Pieter, Heleen (a McGregor local), and
two Belgium volunteers, Jonas and Noralie. Grades
9 - 12 have Mathematics lessons with Pieter.
The McGregor Micro Business Forum, a marketing, training & development
development NGO for McGregor crafters, gardeners
and other small businesses, was founded in 2013 and the committee was formed in February 2014. Although this
organisation is independent of the Breede Centre, there are close working links. Together we have distributed
150 citrus trees to local underprivileged residents.
The second computer course is under way, the first
Xhosa lessons were launched in February, and our next
Entrepreneurship course will be offered during the first
week in April.
Our two plots have just been consolidated so building can start as soon as plans are approved and then Building
training can start with 4 - 5 apprentice bricklayers being employed on this job. As soon as the buildings are
completed, formal Woodwork, Cooking and Needlework training can be implemented.
The vegetable garden is literally growing daily after help from Hans, all the way from Holland, and Freek, who
have transformed the old playground into a fertile haven. Rosemary, lavender, basil, lettuce, broccoli and green
peppers are in the ground, and the first pesto has been enjoyed. We hope to produce and sell pesto soon. The
dam has been dug and a picket fence (for beauty and safety) will be put up. Irrigation and rain water can now be
collected, saving costs and making the garden management more efficient. A solar pump will be bought to pump
water into the garden and into a raised tank. We hope to start home garden courses soon.
Our dam after the heavy rains
Suzelle at work
Newly planted herbs
Freek & Moos in the veg garden
Toy making and selling are picking up again, and production
and teaching are bringing in some good income. In this last
Financial Year, the Breede Centre raised R 130 000 from
courses, production and shop sales. This has enabled us to
cover 40% of the total running costs of the Centre. Most of the
other money was raised through donations.
Roslin selling in our shop
Wooden toy cut outs
made by Suzelle
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Very big thanks to local residents who offer building and woodwork jobs to the
Centre to raise these funds, and also to all who contributed through donating 2nd
hand items to the shop, food and funds for Holiday activities, and once off and
monthly donations. We couldn’t run without you!
Holiday Activities
The last day of our December Holiday Activities was a day to remember…..
We thank all of you who contributed time, skills, presents and food for this initiative – it was such a pleasure to see the
children so happily occupied. The Christmas tree was decorated with all the little decorations the children made, some
of the older children dressed up and created a Nativity Tableau, their paintings and drawings were displayed, we sang
Christmas Carols, and each of the 60 children received a blue carry bag with packets of
popcorn, buns, crayons and paper, knitted animals, a small toy, and hand-made wooden toys
made by the Breede Centre - cricket bats for the older boys, wooden beds with delightful
hand-made patchwork covers and cushions for the older girls, and packs of wooden blocks for
the younger children. They walked home with joy and delight on their faces.
Afternoon Activities
We warmly thank all the teachers who carry our Afternoon Activities. The children
receive such loving warmth from all of you and it is a joy to see them running up to you
for hugs and acknowledgement.
We sadly say goodbye to Noralie and Jonas who did a wonderful job teaching English to
Grades 5 to 7. They return to Belgium after being in McGregor for a semester and
teaching eight weeks at the Breede Centre. To see a video clip about their trip click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8cY6AGfkMs.
From Noralie and Jonas: We are both English teachers - Noralie at upper-secondary level and Jonas at lowersecondary level. Noralie qualified in June last year and has a master’s in Language and Western Literature. For
Jonas, teaching at the Breede Centre and teaching at the McGregor Waldorf School is part of his final internship in
his teacher training at GROUP T – International University College Leuven (Belgium).
During our first week of teaching at the Breede centre, we were immediately struck by the low level of English
amongst the children. Advised by Pieter, we designed a low-level English course primarily aimed at expanding
vocabulary and reviewing spelling. For these children, fluency is more important than accuracy.
Another thing that was different for us is the short attention span amongst the children. The majority of the
children simply can’t concentrate for 45 minutes on a single task. Let alone more than 10 minutes. That’s why we
needed to include many short and different activities in every lesson. We used games, songs, stories, crossword
puzzles, poems, etc. to make it fun but at the same time learn something as well! The children especially loved it
when we used songs. We would give them the lyrics and then ask them to complete these while listening to the
song. The song ‘Gimme Hope Jo’anna’ by Eddy Grant especially was a success with the children!
Moreover, because the afternoon activities are non-compulsory, the number of children who would show up varied
every day. Some days, we would have a full class in a certain grade, and the next lesson, there would only be two
children. Some say it’s because of the heat, others say it’s because of the parents, others day it’s because the
children don’t really have a sense of time … we don’t know either. But we do know that the
kids grow up in very harsh conditions. Illiterate parents, lack of financial means,
unemployment, alcoholism, all play such a huge part in the development of these children.
Despite all the difficulties among the children, teaching at the Breede Centre has been very
rewarding and fulfilling for the both of us. For us, it’s sort of a back-to-basics experience. No
beamers, no fancy interactive whiteboards… just a basic whiteboard and a lot of enthusiasm!
We can’t believe that our time McGregor has come to an end. We’ll definitely miss the place
and its wonderful people and we’ll definitely return one day!
Finally, we would like to thank Pieter for his inexhaustible amount of energy and dedication.
We think it’s wonderful what he, Dawid, Briar and everyone connected to the Breede Centre
are doing. We think it’s amazing and truly inspiring! Keep up the good work! The Breede
Centre definitely taught us a few skills for life!
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Computer Course
Our second computer course began full, mostly
with people who had never touched computers
before. Five were from a local farm - the manager
sponsored them and has set up a computer corner
for them on the farm. This is a very enthusiastic
group and when asked to write something about
how they experience the course several came to
the following lesson early to practice typing what
they wanted to say on the computer!
Some snippets: ‘I passed Grade 5. I have learnt a lot
and enjoy working on the computer. I would encourage others to do the course.’ ‘When I started I knew nothing
about computers, now I understand something – the course has meant a lot to me because of what I learnt.’ ‘Firstly
I found it difficult to work on a computer, but the course helped me.’ ‘The course is very good; I would like to learn
even more.’ Much gratitude was expressed to Pieter, the Breede Centre, and to the farmer who made it possible
for some of his workers to attend the course.
Tree Project
The Breede Centre joined in a tree planting project, through which we received 5 lemon trees. We helped with the
distribution of the trees to local underprivileged residents. Heidi Muller, who spearheaded this event reports:
Food Forests through the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve facilitated the handing out of 150 of 3 kinds of citrus
trees to residents in the Ou Dorp as the start of 'Food forest' planting in McGregor. Facilitated through the Cape
Winelands Biosphere Reserve that is registered with UNESCO under the Man and Biosphere programme, their
intention is to help balance the interests of conservation with the needs of humanity.
In this project, the greening and carbon offsetting of trees, provides shade, food and hopefully a sense of civic
pride. It has proven very successful in the informal settlement in Bonnievale, a nearby town. Planting has also
initiated a new food garden at the McGregor Primary school, so as to encourage children to learn about growing
and self-sufficiency. The trees are sponsored by benevolent donors through Earthcall in Luxembourg. Further
planting is planned to provide other fruits and berries.
Anyone interested in volunteering to help record progress on the next 200 trees due shortly, please contact Heidi
on 0826366376. See www.capewinelandsbiosphere.co.za/projects
International Cape Epic Cycle Race passes through McGregor
7 Million People watched as 1200 cyclists from all over the globe passed through McGregor in this world class
international event! The village was appointed to be an official spectator point and refreshment station and
prepared for weeks to welcome cyclists as they passed through our village. What excitement – the theme was RED
and people from near and far took to the streets on a wet, muddy day dressed in bright red, waving red flags. Shop
fronts were decorated and the road was lined with impressive welcoming gestures.
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Fundraising Events
Long Walk to Freedom
The pre-premier screening of the film
‘Long Walk to Freedom’ on 17 December in
Lichtervelde, Belgium, for funds for the
Breede Centre was a huge success. Before
the screening, speeches were made and
special South African delicacies were served.
Thank you to all who contributed so
generously to make this such a special event!
FEMMA & KWB
These two organisations in Belgium got together to write Christmas cards for the people in an elderly house, sing
Christmas songs, listen to a storyteller, drink a glass of 'jenever' and participate in a Quiz which they had to pay for.
The Quiz was ‘How many nails etc. in the bottle’ – the proceeds of this activity came to the Breede Centre. Thank
you to all who helped and participated.
Christmas Market
At a Christmas market at de Ploeg in Belgium Rita, Ingrid and Caroline sold
knitted kabouterjies, Breede Centre key rings and ginger beer for the Breede
Centre. Thank you to you all!
Jazz Concert
The McGregor Jazz Band held
a concert in the grounds of
Tanagra – a wine and guest
farm just outside McGregor –
as a fundraiser for the Breede
Centre. It was a well attended
and memorable event. Thank
you to all the members of the
Jazz Band, Tanagra, McGregor
community and visitors for
your enormous support.
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Celebrating our funders and
supporters at our Quarterly
staff lunch, where we also said
goodbye to Jonas and Noralie
And a very Big Thank You to so many more of
you who have given us your incredible support …
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All our ongoing monthly donors
Our once off and new monthly donors: SIMA Tours, Ernest & Paula Blomkamp, Lies
Haagendooren & Hester van der Wald, Sue Gurney, Katleen Dersley, Rob Leiper,
Henriette Hugen, A Wagener; H Berende; Hollin, Eve Schippers, Patrick & Ria van
Vangenechten-Vaerenbergh, Delphine Cool, Randolf Rosenfeld, Jorunn Grevle
Lolland, Noel Corneillie, Anne-Marie Waerlop
Jean Arendorf, Helen Altman, Patricia Hall, Bridget Rose for clothes and various items
for our 2nd Hand shop
David & Anne Bedford, Lizelle Erasmus, Ernest & Paula Blomkamp, Suenel Holloway,
Daleen Johnson, Elizabeth Maritz, Heleen van der Merwe, Marion Brower, Rachel
Botha, Mike Harrop, Brenda Shapiro , Barbara Jacobs, Monique Paton, Chris &
Marlene Mouton, Margaret Milne, David Magner, Cher Graham, Bridget Rose, Judy
Eccles, Ann Werner for donations, gifts and food for our December Holiday Activities,
and to Katleen, Mornay, Suleila and Truus for leading the activities.
Kathleen Dersley the numerous seedlings propagated for our garden, and Annie
Norgarb with gardeners Esau, Leon and Desmond for help in maintaining and
supplementing our front garden
To all those involved in organising Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom event: Kris &
Hilde, Heidi, Annelies & Els from Oxfam Wereldwinkel Lichtervelde, Daniel from Sima
Tours; Henk, Johan, Karin & Ingrid from Curieus-L, Caroline for helping to bake the
melktert, Tine for taking pictures, De Biekorf for kitchen use, Suzy of De Burgersgilde
for the party tables, Sofie & Jan of Cinema De Keizer for organising the preview in
Lichtervelde and for exceptional hospitality, and to Rita Lombaert for ‘making it
happen’ and for being such a wonderful ambassador of the Breede Centre
FEMMA & KWB for your contributions
McGregor Jazz Band, Tanagra and McGregor Community for ‘Jazz at Tanagra’ event
Stichting Projecten Zuid-Afrika (SPZA) for the donation for Afternoon and Holiday
Activities – this will make a huge difference to developing these projects
KalloSophia and course attendants for donations from the Lands of the Living Heart
weekend and the Symbols, Signs and Seals workshop
Christine Lawley, Anne Binos & Mike from This & That for your patient help in
coaching Briar in the use of the Publisher programme
Atholl Hay for preparing a core Fundraising document for us to send to organisations
Karen Ward for a very useful white board
Keith Poole for a donation of almonds which we are packaging for sale for funds
Adam Lewis for sewing materials
Marion Brower for doing office duty every second Tuesday, Taya Cundill for continuing
to do office duties on second Thursdays – days on which Briar or Dorothy are not in
the office, and Jill Hogan for doing office duty when Marion and Taya are not available
Debra-Lee Bouwer for donating a Bingo Set initially for a Fundraising Dinner to be
offered by Temenos
Rose Kent for helping us prepare a survey for the village that will help us keep in touch
with village needs and get feedback about what we offer
And once more a very special thanks to all our Friends all over the world for your
interest and support in so many small and big ways… you make it possible for us to
continue. We now have 341 Friends, 61 more since our last Bulletin.
WE WOULD LOVE TO FIND PEOPLE IN THE UK WHO CAN HELP WITH
FUNDRAISING, EITHER RUN A FUNDRAISING EVENT , DONATE A SMALL
AMOUNT EACH MONTH OR/AND FIND PEOPLE WHO WILL DONATE SAME.
THE RAND/POUND EXCHANGE IS SO BENEFICIAL TO US AT THE MOMENT.
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NPO: 029-880; PBO: 930-004-97; Trust registration: 430/92
Trustees: Briar Grimley TTHD; Etienne Bruwer B. Arch; Katleen Verschoore BA (Psych);
Michael Grimley MA (FA); Mornay Fortuin; Pieter Holloway B. Com, HDE; Suleila Fortuin.
BANKING DETAILS
It is essential to give the reference as
indicated to ensure the money comes to us
SOUTH AFRICA
Breede Centre Trust
Nedbank
Branch code: 122110
Account no: 1221007181
Reference: name donor
Swift code: NEDSZAJJ
THE NETHERLANDS
Internationaal Hulp Fonds (IHF)
Triodos bank: 21.21.95.050
ING bank: 3892918
Mededeling: code 9219 Breede Centre
BELGIUM
Solidariteit Om Leven (SOL)
IBAN: BE11.7350.1646.6948
Bic: KREDBEBB
Reference: Breede Centre
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Make out a check to the Center for the Art of
Living and mail to:
Centre for the Art of Living
Truus Geraets
2201 Pacific Ave A2
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Reference: Breede Centre
SWITZERLAND
Acacia
Eisengasse 5, 4051 Basel / Switzerland
Fon 00 41 61 263 35 00
Fax 0041 61 262 15 12
Freie Gemeinschaftsbank, Basel
IBAN CH93 0839 2000 0040 0800 6
BIC BLKBCH22 and FRGGCHB1
Reference: “Breede Centre South Africa”
SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES
Merkur Bank, Den Almennyttige
Andelskasse.
Account holder: Merkur Fonden
Account: 8401 1017906 (for payers in
Denmark)
IBAN DK7984011017906 (for payers from
other Scandinavian countries)
SWIFT- address/BIC: MEKUDK21
Reference: Donors name/Breede Centre
UNITED KINGDOM
Contact Richard Masters before depositing:
[email protected];
+44 (0)14 537 63900
Account: Hermes Trust
Account number: 71284029
Bank: HSBC
Branch sort code: 40-20-09
IBAN: GB45MIDL40200971284029
BIC: MIDLGB2111W
Ref: “Breede Centre”

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